High Efficiency Appliances

Do you get caught up in the high efficiency appliances hoopla?  Several years ago our clothes washer broke down.  It was a normal top loading machine that had lasted maybe 7 years total.  When it was time to get a new one, I researched a lot of the new front loading machines since they are supposed to save a lot in your water bill.  Our water bill could definitely used some reductions.

I ended up getting a front loading washing machine and anxiously awaited my next water bill.  It was maybe 10% less if that since the price of the water had gone up.  Not much to be excited about. Oh well, right? A reduction does mean less money even if it is only a few bucks.

Next came the furnace – just went out after about 15 years. Honestly, they just don’t make things to last anymore. I again researched online and decided to go with the high efficiency gas furnace.  It was supposed to save 30% on the gas bill.  So, I decided to go with the higher priced gas furnace and anxiously awaited my gas bill.  It was slightly, almost neglible, less than the previous bill.  What was different was my electric bill–which was nearly double what it normally is. It turns out that the high efficiency gas furnace uses less gas to power the furnace by switching to an electric powered blower to circulate the air. 

As it turns, out my expenditures in so-called “hi-efficiency” appliances were not so well-spent after all. I have not noticed any overall benefit of spending more money on these appliances.  I could have saved thousands of dollars by just going with regular models.  Anyone else have the same experience? Leave your comments below.